Arizona House speaker blocks repeal of law that allows lawmakers to avoid arrests

Our reporters discuss this week's biggest stories including an Arizona college behind on financial aid disbursements, a law that broadens legislative immunity and a radioactive bucket left for years at the Grand Canyon.
Arizona Republic

Speeding scandal caused outcry

Mosley, a Republican from Lake Havasu City, was pulled over in March for reportedly driving up to 97 mph in a 55 mph zone. During the traffic stop, Mosley bragged he was driving earlier at 120 mph and sometimes drives up to 140 mph, an interaction captured on police body-camera video.

He evoked the privilege to avoid a speeding ticket, but was charged with excessive speeding months later, after the video was publicly released.

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Rep. Paul Mosley was recently pulled over for going 97 mph in a 55 mph zone. Here is the body camera footage received from the incident.
Wochit

Ducey alluded to the controversy during his State of the State Speech at the the Arizona House of Representatives. on Jan. 18.

"We are a nation of laws, not men," he said told lawmakers as he spoke from the dais, urging lawmakers to put a measure to repeal the immunity on the ballot.

"No one — not me, nor you — is above the law. ... Let’s show the people of Arizona that their elected leaders will live under the same laws as every man and woman in this state."

Bowers: Ducey 'punched us in the head'

Bowers took exception to the governor coming "here in our House " and telling lawmakers they need new rules.

"On opening day, he came down and punched us in the head and then went on with a great speech," Bowers told The Republic.

Ducey's spokesman, Patrick Ptak, said the "governor stands by what he said during his State of the State."

Bowers blocked House Concurrent Resolution 2008, the measure to repeal legislative immunity, by not assigning it to a committee. Friday is the deadline for House bills to be heard in committee.

HCR 2008 is sponsored by Rep. T.J. Shope, R-Coolidge. He didn't respond to a request for comment about Bowers' action.

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Because the immunity is enshrined in the state Constitution, voters would need to approve its repeal. Shope's resolution would put it on the ballot in 2020.

The provision states lawmakers are "privileged from arrest in all cases except treason, felony, and breach of the peace, and they shall not be subject to any civil process" while they are in session, or for 15 days before the beginning of their session.

According to the Department of Public Safety, troopers had previously pulled Mosley over six times while he was in office. He received a warning each time.

Mosley's behavior prompted Ducey to issue an executive order last summer clarifying lawmakers could get tickets in some traffic stops. The order applies to DPS, but urges other police agencies to do the same.

However, Bowers emphasized, that Mosley has faced consequences. He was later charged with excessive speeding. Mosley also lost his re-election campaign in the August Republican primary.

Mosley fighting prosecution; trial set for March

Mosley, R-Lake Havasu City, has apologized for speeding, but he's fighting prosecution because he contends other lawmakers have similarly invoked it to evade tickets. His trial is scheduled for March 7.

"Good luck getting them to do something about it because they all use it," Mosley said in January, adding that he's requested records from the state to substantiate the claim.